What Bitcoin Did

James Lavish, co-managing partner of the Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, shares insights on the financial landscape. He discusses how rampant debt and global liquidity trends are priming Bitcoin for a major surge. The conversation covers the Federal Reserve's dilemma between inflation and recession, the impact of institutional investments, and why Bitcoin stands as a hedge against traditional financial systems. Lavish argues for Bitcoin's role as neutral, permissionless money in a world gripped by economic uncertainty.

Eric Yakes, author of "The 7th Property" and founder of Epoch, dives into his bold prediction that Bitcoin could skyrocket to $10 million. He discusses the cultural revolutions and institutional adoption fueling this growth. The conversation highlights how belief and narrative shape market dynamics more than fundamentals do. Yakes also explores what a Bitcoin-dominant world might entail, from shifts in time preference to new financial architectures, and the challenges posed by traditional banking versus emerging fintech solutions.

John Scott-Railton, a Senior Researcher at Citizen Lab, investigates the alarming world of spyware like Pegasus and its implications for privacy and freedom. He reveals how governments misuse surveillance tech to silence dissent, targeting journalists and activists. The conversation dives into the evolution of spyware, the role of corporate data brokers, and how AI may exacerbate surveillance issues. Scott-Railton also warns about potential threats to Bitcoin from state overreach, prompting a vital discussion on the balance between safety and individual rights.

Vijay Selvam, an attorney and former Goldman Sachs employee, discusses the groundbreaking principles of Bitcoin and its potential to reshape governance. He delves into the concept of digital scarcity and how Bitcoin serves as a tool against authoritarianism. Vijay contrasts the separation of money from the state with historical separations like church and state. He warns of internal threats to Bitcoin and emphasizes its role as a mirror for self-reflection and a catalyst for freedom, transcending mere financial implications.

Rod Roudi, co-founder of Bitcoin Park and the 256 Foundation, dives into the exciting world where Bitcoin meets AI and energy innovation. He shares incredible stories, like how Bitcoin Park solo-mined a block against the odds. Grassroots movements are highlighted as crucial for Bitcoin's future, along with the rise of localized meetups. Rod emphasizes community-driven education and the transformative potential of new projects like BitAxe. He also discusses the importance of entrepreneurial grit in the age of automation and how AI can enhance various workflows.

In a lively discussion, American HODL, a Bitcoin commentator known for his vlogs, and Steven Lubka from Nakamoto, dissect the rise of Bitcoin treasury companies. They explore whether these entities are a healthy bridge to mainstream adoption or just a speculative bubble. The duo dives into strategies for navigating bear markets, the morality of treasury operators, and the impact of securitization on the Bitcoin landscape. Their insights provoke thoughts on Bitcoin's integration into public markets and future investment dynamics.

Willy Woo, a renowned Bitcoin analyst and fund manager, dives deep into the intricate landscape of cryptocurrency. He discusses how institutional investments, especially from firms like BlackRock, are reshaping Bitcoin's market dynamics. Willy foresees that 2026 could mark Bitcoin's first true business cycle downturn and explains the impact of liquidity waves on market behavior. He also touches on the transition from fiat to Bitcoin, the effects of ETFs on price volatility, and the strategic shifts in ownership preferences among institutional players.

Preston Pysh, a Bitcoin analyst and investment expert, dives deep into Bitcoin treasury mechanics in this discussion. He unpacks Michael Saylor’s strategic prowess and why it has eclipsed Bitcoin returns since 2020. Key topics include the engineering of preferred stock and convertible debt, the fallout from the fixed-income market's decline, and the significance of self-custody for investors. Pysh raises concerns over the risks of treating treasury companies as Bitcoin proxies and highlights potential threats like government nationalization.

In this discussion, Peter McCormack, a seasoned Bitcoin podcaster and entrepreneur, dives into his intense legal battle against Craig Wright, revealing how UK libel laws influenced the case. He shares his mission to revitalize Bedford, highlighting how local business experiences reshaped his political outlook. McCormack underscores the challenges posed by government policies on entrepreneurship and advocates for community-driven solutions, all while exploring the potential of Bitcoin to empower societal change. This candid conversation is a blend of legal insights, local activism, and the transformative power of cryptocurrency.

Calle, a Bitcoin privacy advocate, dives deep into the importance of financial privacy for democracy. He discusses revolutionary tools like Cashu and BitChat, which can help Bitcoin users navigate regulatory threats. Calle reveals the lessons from the original Crypto Wars and explains the unmatched privacy of Chaumian eCash. He highlights the risks developers face today, emphasizing the need for secure communication in an age of increasing surveillance. Tune in for insights on preserving privacy and freedom in the Bitcoin landscape!